Seniors from the CLHS National Honor Society recently completed their annual trip, this year visiting Atlanta, Georgia. 

NHS seniors traditionally take an educational trip, and for the past few years, they visited South Dakota.  This year, they opted to stay in the Eastern time zone and take in the opportunities that Atlanta offers.

Excursions included the Atlanta Aquarium, the World of Coca Cola, the College Football Hall of Fame, the Olympic Village, and multiple stops that honor the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The final stop was a hike to the top of Stone Mountain, just east of Atlanta.

Austin Vails and Isaiah Ward will head to Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio next fall.  Taitym Byrne will head to Marion Technical College.  Kyra Morris-Montgomery will study at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio.  Cameron Tribunella and Chloe Sherbourne will attend The Ohio State University - Marion.

Wrapping up National FFA Week, the annual AG Basketball game was played on February  23.  The teachers, once again, showed their athletic abilities and relived their glory years, beating the CLHS FFA students, 54-47.

Seniors Merek McClure and Abby Ufferman were crowned Winter Sports Night king and queen on January 5 during halftime of the boys basketball game against Northmor.  Runners-up included Zakary Christine and Lane Hughes for king and Lydia Hess and Kyra Morris-Montgomery for queen.  Last year’s king and queen, Dylan Minturn and Sage Whetnall (class of 2023) returned to crown their successors.

Rhylan Furr will attend North Central State College in Mansfield, Ohio, and will pursue a degree in Graphic Design.   Kearston Dudgeon will attend Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, Ohio.

On December 15, The Reindeer Games returned to CLHS.  This is an annual event where the students represent their classes in various winter-themed competitions and accumulate points leading up to the May Day games at the end of the academic year.  Students participated in “Santa's Sleigh,” “Shovel the Snow,” “Build a Snowman,” “Snowball Pick Up,” and “Snowball Toss.” The event is organized by the CLHS Spirit Club, and advisor, Ms. Kirsten Ebert.  Here are a few scenes from this year’s games. 

By Kayden Bailey

According to The History Channel, the ancient Babylonians were the first people to make New Year’s Resolutions, around 4000 years ago.  They were also the first to hold recorded celebrations in honor of the new year, which they observed in March when crops were planted.

We asked several CLHS students,“What is your new year's resolution?”  Here's what some of them shared:

David Ireland - “Definitely getting closer to God.” 

Dylan Compton - “I want to be more nicer to people and feel less annoying.” 

Wyatt Davis - “I want more buddies.. I need some” 

Bristol Whetnall - “Level 100 on Fortnite.” 

Nina Blakeslee - “I really would enjoy getting a cat.” 

Morgan Galilei - “Get that bank!” 

Sophie Reitmire - “Getting a good boyfriend.” 

Gabriella Ratliff - “Being more productive.”

Nakyah Biggs - “YOLO!” 

Mr Staley - “ I gave up a long time ago because I always failed!” 

Students from the National Honor Society and the Art Club recently visited the Columbus Museum of Art.  In this photo, CMA docent, Bernard Palachick, offers instruction to NHS students on how to examine a work of art.  This painting is a still life by Flemish painter, Carstian Luyckx.  The painting dates to about 1660.

Seniors Kelli Landon and Jordan Brock were recently accepted to The Ohio State University-Marion.  Senior Marek McClure has enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.

Seniors Kayla Hughes and Jason Bockbrader were crowned the 2023 queen and king at the homecoming football game on October 13.  They were crowned by the retiring king and queen, Ayden Plowman and Ella Struck, from the Class of 2023.

Joining Kayla and Jason on the court were queen candidates Abby Ufferman and Autumn Holt.  King candidates included Zane Everly and Lane Hughes.  The class attendants were junior Rylee Donkin, sophomore Haylee Stainer, and freshman Dezzeray Mooney.  Class escorts included freshman David Ireland, sophomore Brennen Marks, and junior A.J. Brehm.

Junior attendants were 1st-graders Calleigh Handley, Lillian Kovacs, and Khyree Sexton-Coats.

Five more seniors earned college acceptance this past month.  Tyler Bierl was accepted to Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio, and earned the Dean’s Scholarship.  Lydia Hess also received good news from Heidelberg and earned the Presidential Scholarship.  Alexis Peters was accepted to Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio.  Hannah Neely is headed to Marion Technical College in Marion, Ohio.  Autumn Holt was accepted by The Ohio State University - Marion in Marion, Ohio.  Christina Valentine was accepted to the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio.

The Cardington-Lincoln High School Drama Club, Troupe #4813, performed, Dracula, on October 26-28 in the Patrick J. Drouhard Auditorium at the high school.  The script, by John Mattera, is based on Bram Stoker’s novel of the same name.  Cast and crew members included:

Count Dracula A.J. Hall

Jonathan Harker Merek McClure

Henry Westerna Lalia Newcomer

Martha Westerna Kelly Moreland

Lucy Westerna Sarah Perry

Charles, the Butler Aiden Reitmire

Vampire Women Alaina Jones

Lalia Newcomer

Mina Murray Makayla Crockett

Henry Aaron Howard

Arthur Holmwood Zayden Christine

Dr. Seward Rylee Donkin

Van Helsing Jason Bockbrader

Renfield Johnny McQueen

Servant Lalia Newcomer

The stage crew included   Maddy Brook-Hobbs (stage manager), Kasey Fiant, McKenzie Keifer, Alaina Jones and Gabriela Coffman.

The high school’s art club and advanced art classes, under the direction of high school Art teacher, Josh Groves, painted the backdrops and sets.

CLHS students and members of the local community donated blood to the Red Cross during the first quarter blood drive on September 20.  The event was organized by seniors Madison Brook-Hobbs and Zane Everly.  As members of the CLHS National Honor Society, the student organizers earn college scholarship money in exchange for organizing the drive.  Three more drives are scheduled for the remainder of the 2023-2024 academic year.

Seniors (and siblings) Kayla Hughes and Lane Hughes were recently accepted to Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio.  Both were also named as recipients of Heidelberg's Presidential Scholarship.

Ms. Mary Hughes, their mother, is an Intervention Specialist at the high school.

The seniors took this year’s Powderpuff title, defeating the juniors in the final game on September 22. The event not only offers friendly (and sometimes, not so friendly) competition between classes, it also raises awareness for cancer research.  Here is the photo reel from this year’s event:

Contributed by Morgan Gallelei

Over the first few weeks of school, we spoke with some members of the freshman class to see how their new environment was.  We asked how high school was going for them, if they enjoy their classes, their favorite class, how high school is different from middle school, and how they feel about the lockers.  Here are their responses:

Kayden Bailey:

How is high school so far?  “It's great; new things happening every day.”

Do you enjoy your classes?  “I don't enjoy my first two classes, which are Algebra and Science.  But, the rest is good.”

What is your favorite class?  “Probably English.”

How is high school different from middle school?  “It's not really that different, other than that we are with a bigger group of people, and we can have our phones.”

How do you feel about the lockers?  “At first, it sucked, but after I got the hang of it I didn't really care.” 

Lundyn Blevins:

How is high school so far?  “High School is tiring!”

Do you enjoy your classes?  “I enjoy some of my classes.”

What is your favorite class?  “My favorite class is yoga.”

How do you feel about the lockers?  “Lockers are annoying because you have to unlock them.”

Hunter Marteney:

How is high school so far?  “High school is fun, in my opinion.”

Do you enjoy your classes?  “I enjoy most classes.”

What is your favorite class?  “Math.”

How is high school different from middle school?  “It's not too different, besides just the rules are more laid back.”

How do you feel about the lockers?  “I feel great about lockers.” 

Sarah Greenawalt:

How is high school so far?  “High school for me is going pretty decent, I'd say.”

Do you enjoy your classes?  “Yes.”

What is your favorite class?  “My favorite class is either Math or Ag.”

How is high school different from middle school?  “It's about the same except for shorter classes and more people.  I do like how they give you work differently, though.”

How do you feel about the lockers?   “I don't mind the lockers after I got the hang of them.” 

By Taitym Byrne – On Friday, April 14, Cardington-Lincoln High School held its annual prom at the Four Seasons Barn.  The evening began with the Grand March, allowing attendees to walk across the stage while Mr. Brehm announced their names.  From there, juniors Aidan Reitmire and Kyra Morris-Montgomery were crowned Prince and Princess.  This year's King and Queen are seniors Dillon Minturn and Sage Whetnall.  After the coronation, dinner and dessert were served.  Then, it was time to dance!  Finally, the evening ended with zip lines and canopy bridges at Big Air Adventure Park. 

By Riley Houck –  Friday, February 24, brought the annual Ag Ball game back to CLHS.  Though the Ag Student team played well and held several leads in the game, the Teachers’ team won their eighth consecutive contest over the Ag Students, 48-44. 

More importantly, the students turned out in full force to cheer on their classmates.  This year, students from the Junior High were in the crowd.  The High School student section waved blue and yellow pom poms, the colors of the Future Farmers of America organization. 

National FFA Week runs from February 24-March 3 and includes theme days, social media challenges, and Ag Olympic events. 

By Liz Ramey – International Stand Up to Bullying Day is observed twice each year, in both February and November.  This month’s Day is February 24.  While it is a worldwide observation, many people may not know that this is an actual dedicated day, especially high school students. 

Most high school students know what bullying is.  Some of us have been the target of bullying or acted as the bully.  It is common for bullying to occur within a school setting.  Nearly 20% of students aged 12-18 experience bullying at least once.  The targets that bullies choose might be those who have less money, do not wear the latest name-brand clothing, are not viewed as “attractive,” and many others. 

Of course, the underlying reason for bullying is a desire to exert control over the victim.  There are different methods of bullying, including verbal bullying, social bullying, physical bullying, and cyberbullying. Sometimes, the targeted students do not realize that they are being bullied, as it is sometimes done secretly. 

Cardington students can help in our stance against bullying.  Incidents can be reported to Stay Safe, Speak Up! https://staysafespeakup.app/Welcome/district/PIRATES or by calling the hotline at 1-866-547-8362. 

By Liz Ramey – Cardington’s junior class is preparing to take the American College Testing (ACT) on March 14.  This test measures a high school student’s readiness for college admission, and for colleges to compare students to others who apply to their schools. 

The ACT is a 2-hour, 55-minute test over four or five subject areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing test.  Scores can range from 1-36 on the test, and the current average score among Ohio students is 21. 

A survey of current Cardington juniors indicated that 55.6% are worried about how they will score on the ACT.  Another 33.3% responded that they already believe that they will score poorly.  But 11.1% believe that the ACT will be among the easiest tests that they have ever taken. 

As for studying for the test, 55.6% responded that they will spend 30 minutes each day preparing.  Another 33.3% indicated that they do not plan to study, at all.  The remaining 11.1% plan to prepare for 1 to 2 hours each day. 

Two-thirds of the juniors surveyed, 66.7%, plan to pursue post-secondary education.  The remaining 33.3% were unsure of their plans. 

By Taitym Byrne – Seniors Dillon Minturn and Sage Whetnall were crowned Winter Sports Night 2023 king and queen on Saturday, January 14. 

The announcement came during halftime of the boys’ basketball junior varsity game against Crestline.  The members of royalty are selected through a vote from all members of the student body.

Other members of the court included senior king candidates Silas Horton and Asthton Plowman, senior queen candidates Addison Plowman and Holly Barga.  

Last year’s king and queen, Joe Denney and Dana Bertke, returned to pass their crowns on to Dillon and Sage.

By Jeff Jackson – What is intended to be a fun diversion for students and staff is having a little trouble getting off the ground.

The Pirate News Network is hoping to organize an intramural dodgeball league.  Students will make up the teams and teachers and administrators will serve as coaches.  A draft of interested students is planned for ESPNN – an amalgamation of ‘ESPN’ and ‘PNN.’

Mr. Strickland, one of the five coaches, said, “I plan on picking men that are actually boys, a.k.a.  the ‘Power 5.”

However, the challenge appears to be recruiting a large enough player pool to be able to conduct the draft.  At least forty students need to sign up, and the numbers do not appear to be there, yet. 

“I’m a little worried,” said junior A.J. Hall.  He has been actively trying to recruit additional players. 

In addition to Mr. Strickland, coaches include Ms. Wollett, Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Treese, and Ms. Price.  So, there is no shortage of coaches, just players to fill out the rosters. 

As a result, ESPNN dodgeball may not be starting as soon as the organizers had hoped.

By Lydia Hess - The 2023 Winter Sports Night will be held on January 14 during the boys’ basketball games against Crestline in the Cardington-Lincoln High School gymnasium.  The junior varsity game will tip off at 6:00 P.M., and the royalty ceremony will be held at halftime.  The 2022 king and queen, Joe Denney and Dana Bertke, will return to crown their successors. 

The first candidate for queen is Holly Barga.  Holly is a member of the Cardington FFA, the Family 4-Hers 4-H club, the Morrow County Cattlemen's Association, the Cardington High School Spirit Club,  and the Ohio Cattlemen's BEST Program.  With all of her different activities, Holly still earns all As in her classes, is a senior class officer, and has her FFA State Degree.  Some of her hobbies include raising and showing cattle, shopping, and working at Jersey Mike's Subs. She enjoys spending her free time at Chick-Fil-A eating their chicken nuggets, watching Yellowstone, and spending time with her corgi, Maddie.

Holly will be escorted by Dillion Minturn.  Dillion enjoys playing football, basketball, baseball, and pickleball.  He received 1st-team all-KMAC and all-Central District honors for baseball.  Dillion is also a member of the Cardington FFA, National Honor Society, and Chess Club. In his free time, he enjoys soap carving, hanging out with his friends, watching sports, and “sampling other people's lunches.”

The second queen candidate is Sage Whetnall.  Sage is the Cardington FFA Student Advisor, runs track and field, and bowls.  She has won a multitude of awards, including the YEDA Sportsmanship Award, the Horse Camp “H-Award,” the Kaydence McKenzie Memorial Sportsmanship award, the Ohio FFA State Degree, the Most Outstanding Junior Member-Cardington FFA, and the Top Leadership award for the Cardington FFA.  Riding horses and running are some of her hobbies, and spends her free time eating cheese curds, watching Heartland, saltwater fishing, traveling, and hiking with her mom. 

Sage will be escorted by Ashton Plowman.  Ashton is a 4-year member of Cardington’s football team and has participated in track for two years.  He is also a member of Cardington’s FFA and enjoys playing the guitar, eating, and hanging out with his friends and family.

The final queen candidate is Addison Plowman.   Addison is a Cardington varsity cheerleader, a member of the Cardington FFA, the high school spirit club, and is on the yearbook staff.  She enjoys bowling, swimming, and watching movies, especially any movie starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.  In her free time, she also enjoys spending time with her friends.

Addison will be escorted by Silas Horton.  Silas is a member of Cardington’s golf, bowling, and baseball teams, and is a member of the Cardington FFA.  In his free time, he enjoys fishing, hanging out with friends and family, eating ice cream, “walking on this ice in the wintertime and rolling in mud holes in the summer.”

The freshman attendant is Sophia Moloney.  Sophia is a Cardington cheerleader for both football and basketball.  She is also an Allstar Competition cheerleader at Moxi Athletics.  She has earned awards for cheerleading, including competing in the cheerleading summit and the All-Star Worlds with her teams, finishing as finalists for both events.  Sophia is also a member of the marching band at Cardington and is on the track and volleyball teams.  She enjoys tumbling, cheering on her teammates, traveling for athletic events, hanging out with friends, and playing the piano.

The sophomore attendant is Sydney Hobbs.  Sydney is a member of the Cardington FFA and is a cheerleader for both football and basketball games.  She enjoys hanging out with friends, going to concerts with her dad, and shopping.  She also enjoys watching her favorite show, Supernatural, listening to Taylor Swift’s music, and eating Mexican food.

The Junior attendant is Kelli Landon.  Kelli participates in FFA and travel basketball, as well as Cardington’s volleyball and basketball teams.  She was a member of Cardington’s KMAC championship teams in both sports.  Kelli also has an academic patch and an FFA patch.  She enjoys working and spending time with friends and family.  She loves watching the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns football games, along with Grey's Anatomy.

The first-grade students participating in the ceremony are Layla Daniels from Mrs. Jump's class, Taylor Thomas from Mrs. Kipfiner’s class, and Arlis Sherman from Mrs. Deems’s class.

After the varsity game, there will be a dance in the high school cafeteria until 11:30 P.M.  

By Riley Houck - The “Reindeer Games” are returning to Cardington High School on December 21.  Along with “May Day” at the end of the school year, the games are a part of a friendly competition between classes.

The games will begin with the popular “Hungry, Hungry Hippos” game, based upon the table-top game published by Milton Bradley-Hasbro.  In the Reindeer Games version, students tried to collect as many plastic balls as possible using a candy cane while being pushed and pulled on a scooter.

Floor Hockey and the Eating Challenge should be popular among the spectators.  However, “Zorb Ball Bowling” may provide the most entertainment of the day.  Normally used during May Day games for “Zorb Ball Soccer,” the Zorb balls will make their winter appearance with teams rolling a student inside of a ball to knock down “pins.”  The games will conclude with a “Snowball Fight,” a twist on the standard game of dodgeball.

Photos of the Reindeer Games will appear in the next issue of The Searchlight after the winter break.

By Taitym Byrne – Cardington students offered their opinions on their favorite Christmas songs.  Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” and Taylor Swift’s “Last Christmas” tied for the top spot with 18.2% of the vote.  “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and sung by Thurl Ravenscroft, came in third with 14.5% of the vote.  Justin Bieber’s “Mistletoe” finished fourth at 9.1%. 

By Jeff Jackson – Cardington students also offered their opinions on their favorite Christmas movies.  The Polar Express, from 2004, was the most popular, earning 40% of the vote.  Home Alone was close behind with 32%.  A Christmas Story came in third place with 12% of the vote.  In a somewhat surprising result, Elf, starring Will Ferrell, received zero votes. 

By Lydia Hess - On Monday, October 31, Ms. Ebert and the Spirit Club will collect pairs of socks to be donated.

While the students can earn May Day points for their classes, the primary goal is to collect new pairs of socks and raise awareness for those who are in need.

“’Socktober’ will be for May Day points.  Flyers will be hung up around the school explaining the rules and how socks can be turned in.  All socks are due on Monday, October 31,” Ms. Ebert announced.

Drop off for the socks is in Ms. Ebert's classroom.

Cardington students take May Day very seriously, and more donated socks mean more points for their classes.  But, the main goal is still to help out those who are in need.

While she does not recall how Socktober began, Ms. Ebert shared that this is not the first time that Cardington students have contributed.

“We did this several years ago to collect socks for Turning Point in Marion,” she said.  “Turning Point is a shelter for women who are leaving abusive relationships. Many come with literally nothing, but the clothes on their back.”

In the United States, over a half-million people are homeless or have experienced homelessness.  Some may be homeless due to being cut off from a job, by leaving an abusive relationship, or just eviction from their home.  There are single parents with children who are homeless, and there are even just children on their own who are homeless.  “Socktober” is a great event that the Cardington-Lincoln Spirit Club has put on and is a creative way to help those in need.

By Taitym Byrne – Following a week of events, Seniors Ayden Plowman and Ella Struck are the 2022 Cardington High School Homecoming King and Queen.  The new royalty was crowned before the football game on September 30. 

The coronation began with the introduction of the court attendees:  freshman Ava Davis, sophomore Veronika Garcia, and junior Autumn Holt. 

Ella Struck was escorted by king candidate Dillon Minturn.  Candidate Jade Delawder was escorted by Ayden Plowman.  Candidate Addison Plowman was escorted by Candidate Silas Horton.  Brooke Clapham, the 2021 Homecoming Queen, came back to crown Struck and Plowman the new king and queen. 

By Riley Houck - The 2022 Powderpuff football games to raise awareness for breast cancer featured a somewhat surprising win for the sophomore team. 

In the two preliminary games, the junior class defeated the freshman class, and the sophomore class stunned the senior class.  This set up the championship game between the juniors and sophomores on October 7. 

The juniors seemed to be in control of the game, leading 21-7 in the third quarter.  But, the sophomores came back to take the championship, 28-21. 

With time for only two practices, many players and coaches saw a lot of improvement leading up to the games. 

Freshman quarterback Kadence Ralsten said, “The improvement we made and I saw was greatly increased with the only two total hours of practice we were given.”

Sophomore Madison Caulkins liked getting visiting fans involved in the breast cancer awareness.

“I think that this year with the FFA passing out ribbons at the entrance was better than the walk because we didn’t just include the home side but we also included the away teams fans,” she said. 

Still, winning the championship adds to the good feelings about raising awareness.

“Winning feels great, especially losing in the championship last year. But, I think it’s really cool we found a way to support breast cancer awareness through women’s football.”

Junior Alexis Peters added, “Choosing powderpuff to help breast cancer awareness is a really good idea. It pushes sports equality and really expresses the power women can have, especially. They can fight just as hard to beat such a significant disease. Selling the shirts just adds to the support by putting in support and donating the money to St. Jude’s Hospital.”   

As always, the Powderpuff games would not be complete without the cheerleading competition.  

Led by cheer captain Ryan Clinger, the senior class won this year, achieving a four-year “sweep” of the competition. 

By Lydia Hess - After a week of themed dress-up days during school, this year’s Homecoming week activities will conclude tonight with the football game and a dance to follow.

The Pirate varsity football team hosts the Danville Blue Devils at 7:00 P.M.  Prior to kickoff, the Homecoming Queen will be announced.  This year’s Queen candidates include seniors Ella Struck, Addison Plowman, and Jade Delawder.  They will be escorted onto the field by seniors Dillon Minturn, Silas Horton, and Ayden Plowman.

The underclassmen in the court include freshman Ava Davis, sophomore Veronika Garcia, and junior Autumn Holt.

Many students are excited about the game and the dance.

“I think homecoming is a great way to support school spirit and to get people together,” senior, and Queen candidate, Ella Struck said.

Sophomore Marnie Young added,  “I'm excited for this year, and yes, I’m going to go to the dance. I feel that homecoming will be a pretty good time like it was last year!”

The Pirate Marching Band will also perform its Homecoming show at halftime.  Music will include “The Hey Song,” “Barbara Ann,” and the Cardington fight song.

The Homecoming Dance will follow the game.  The dance will take place in the high school gymnasium.

Students, teachers, and administrators enjoyed participating in the Spirit Week dress-up days.  Beginning with Monday’s “PJ Day,” the week continued with “Adam Sandler Day,” “Country versus Country Club Day,” and “White Lies Day,” ending with Friday’s “School Colors Day.”

The annual homecoming parade took place on Wednesday, followed by a pep rally at the football stadium.